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The Rumours

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"Venus CD Review"

The Rumours
The Mighty Can Fall (Switchblade)
by MacKenzie Wilson
Hailing from Vancouver, the Rumours deliver an infectious dose of hard rock tailored for a pop-infested generation. Chiefed by a three to one ratio of boys against girls, the Rumours' only intent is to create a little ruckus, and their debut album, The Mighty Can Fall, gives enough gruff stuff that Mötley Crüe, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar would be proud. Lou Rumour (vocals/piano), Just Janelle (guitar), Melissa Starr (bass), and Steve Senyk (drums) don't just do the metal thing; they do it well and with a sexy sheen of cool. Lou Rumour is a tough frontwoman. Her jagged vocals and foxy lyrics keep your full attention, especially on tracks like the Journey-riff-heavy "Fight" and the sucker punch of "Hotwire." Classic girl-group harmonies carry a less rough-edged sound from the band on "These Days" and "Get Over Me."

The Rumours let it be known that they're not the second coming of the Donnas, nor are they Vixen reincarnated. The Mighty Can Fall destroys all inclinations of pretty rocknroll and leaves the decadence that coincided with metal of the late '80s to those still sporting the Aqua Net look. The repetition of three guitar chords is switched up enough throughout because the Rumours are that confident. Thunderous guitar licks pounce upon the car crash that is "Another Lie" while "I Believe" slowly struts away from the gaze. Don't mistake the polished construction of The Mighty Can Fall for cockiness. Kicking ass is stylish, too.

This review is available online at www.venuszine.com and in the Summer edition

- Venus Magazine


"Chartattack Interview"

The Rumours Love Bon Jovi And Aren’t Afraid To Admit It
Tuesday March 23, 2004 @ 04:30 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff


The Rumours

If you happen to catch The Rumours live set in the coming months, don’t be surprised if they remind you of Bon Jovi.

OK, not really, but the truth is, Bon Jovi did come up in a conversation with The Rumours about their own, rather energetic live show. So it’s sort of true.

"We pride ourselves in an intense live show," says vocalist/pianist Lou Rumour.

"Our onstage personas are our own personalities, but on speed," adds guitarist/vocalist Just Janelle. "It’s a different side to us — you’re not going to see us doing some of the things we do onstage in public on a daily basis."

But back to Bon Jovi. The Rumours are quick to give props to the acts who they think kick ass.

"AFI," says Janelle without hesitation. "They are fabulous live. And Bon Jovi. Although it might not be cool to say that. But as long as somebody’s up there, despite what kind of music it is, it doesn’t really matter if they’re…"

"…honest," finishes Lou. "Honesty always shows through onstage. I think those are the bands I always remember. If I go see someone live and they really speak with honesty, that’s when it’s really effective."

Most of the lyrics on their album The Mighty Can Fall seem to be so honest you can’t help but think they were written autobiographically. On the gritty, catchy-as-hell "Hotwire," Lou sings to a boy she’s smitten with, who she knows is the kind of bad boy her momma warned her about. "Get Over Me" finds Lou trying to tell a boy she’s grown tired of to, well, get over her.

"Sometimes the lyrics will start out as just sort of an idea and eventually they come together as something personal," admits Lou. Backing her lyrics is a razor-edged, punk-pop-metal sound that combines the best of '80s hair metal (seriously), the ballsy rock ‘n’ roll of Joan Jett and the singalong, radio-friendly pop of fellow West Coasters, Lillix. If The Donnas became a Guns ‘n’ Roses cover band, they’d sound like The Rumours.

"We’ve been a little bit surprised with some people we thought would think maybe we were a little too ‘whatever’ for them," says Janelle. "But they still enjoy it — they get it. We’ve been getting all kinds of people at our shows, which is kind of cool."

The Rumours lineup is rounded out by bassist Melissa Starr and drummer Steve Senyk, meaning, yes, they're officially a girl band. But check any preconceptions or stereotypes you might have at the door — the band ain’t hearing it.

"When people come to see us it’s not what they’d expect or are accustomed to with a lot of female musicians," says Janelle. "We’ve never been focused on being a girl band. It just sort of so happens that three of us are females. It doesn’t have too much of an effect on the way we approach things or write music or how we are on stage."

And how does Steve feel about being the only male in the group?

"Honestly, I don’t think it really fazes him until maybe somebody else asks him about it," says Janelle. "I don’t think he really thinks of us as his female band mates. We’re more like his long-haired brothers."

That is wrong on so many levels.

Upcoming Shows: April 3 Edmonton, AB @ Starlight Lounge April 9 Vancouver, BC @ Showroom Cabaret

—Brian Pascual

This interview is available at www.chartattack.com an additional interview is available in the May 2004 edition of Chart Magazine - Chart


"Chart CD Review"

THE RUMOURS The Mighty Can Fall (Switchblade )
Angry girls rule the rock world these days — just look at The Donnas, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Distillers. And now comes Vancouver's contribution: The Rumours, three girl rockers with a lone male drummer. Rumours singer Lou Rumour tears through each track with ferocity and not a single lovelorn ballad to be heard. The insanely catchy "Hotwire" is a tribute to that one awesome guy, whereas "Get Over Me" gives the flip-off to a clueless dude who just won't go away with snarled lines like, "You took a chance and lost/I need you gone at any cost." It’s a sentiment more than one girl can identify with. A scaled-down, dramatic piano melody provides the perfect wrap-up. Girls should look up to the rocker chicks of The Rumours and guys should be at their feet. Caitlin Hotchkiss
- Chart Magazine


"Chart CMW 2004 Review"

Here’s a run-down on our Top 10 Rock ‘N’ Roll Report Card scores.
1. (tie) Metric
Transient Noise
3. (tie) Girl Nobody
Oliver Black
5. The Meligrove Band
6. Sekiden
7. Anjulie
8. (tie) The Rumours
Alexisonfire
The Salteens

Band: The Rumours
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Venue: Bovine Sex Club
Date: March 6, 2004
Reporter: Manuela Spizzirri
Background/
Composition A sexy four-piece rock outfit made up of three females and one male (the drummer).



Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations

80-100: Band exceeds skill and knowledge expectations. Rocked us so hard we peed our pants.

70-79: Band achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.

60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.

50-59: Band demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.

Below 50: Band has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.


Grade: 90



World Domination Status:
Progressing well towards world domination
Progressing with some difficulty towards world domination
No chance in hell for world domination


Comment:
Not only do they have the looks, but they have the personality and talent to back that up.




Learning Skills:
E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really


Oral And Visual Communication

Eye Contact: E Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Pronounciation: E The girls moved as much as they possibly could on such a small stage. The lead singer was especially captivating with her air-kicks and punches. She climbed the poles surrounding the stage and would stare directly and so intensely into people’s eyes that looking back was more of an unspoken demand than a choice. She was mesmerizing.
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E



Musical Analysis

Level Of Participation: E Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Problem Solving: G This was a new brand of rock ‘n’ roll with catchy tunes backed with a sexy, raspy voice. The songs were strong. A true test of a good rock band is when their ballads rock as much as their faster songs do. The Rumours pass this test and many others.
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E



Other Skills And Areas Of Interest

Charisma: E Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Problem Solving: G The angry bad girl (and boy) image adds a certain sexiness to the music. This band easily draws the audience into its world. Watching any one of the members at any time during this performance was an intense and consuming experience.
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

- Chart


"West Coast Indie CD Review"

The Rumours- The Mighty Can Fall


If we went back to 1981 Los Angeles and cast a little spell on the boys of Motley Crue turning them into females, mixed in some Robert Smith ala The Cure and added a touch of Blondie I think the outcome would be the gritty heavy rock and roll that Vancouver’s The Rumours are delivering on their current release “The Mighty Can Fall”.

Now don’t get me wrong, these girls and drummer Steve Senyk are strongly holding their own while wearing some subtle influences on their sleeves. Guitarist Just Janelle, Bassist Melissa Starr and Vocalist/Pianist Lou Rumour have a good thing going here, especially on this disc, which was partially funded by the Futureshop/Universal, grant for unsigned music which the band acquired at Canadian music week just over a year ago.

The guitars are gritty and thick, Lou’s vocals sit perfectly in this genre, raw, gritty and strong, filled with the attitude and discontent of every scorned female on the planet. The rhythm section is tight and the production of the overall package is full and slick without being over produced.

This, simply put is a hard rock album by a band that obviously loves what they do. They’re not out to save the world or to change the face of music, they’re out to write, record and play rock and roll and it’s very apparent they are having fun. Definitely worth checking out if and when they come to your town and I’d keep an eye open as chances are you’ll be seeing more of them.

…and by the way, Lou Rumour’s piano chops kick Tommy Lee’s ass hands down.

Added: March 14th 2004
Reviewer: wayne stadler
Score:
Related Link: The Rumour's Website
Hits: 122
Language: english

- West Coast Indie


"The Punk Site CD Review"

CD: The Mighty Can Fall Artist: Rumours, The
Label: Switchblade Records Rating: 4/5
Best Song: Hotwire Author: Bobby Gorman


Girl rockers are slowly appearing all over the world. Avril Lavigne, The Distillers, The Donnas, Damone, and so forth are all taking the airwaves by surprise and proving once again that girls can rock just as hard, or harder, then guys. Vancouver, British Columbia has giving birth to another female band called The Rumours; the four piece band is composed of three females and one male member and are slowly catching up on the competition in the major leagues.

They play a slow paced song, very similar to that of Afi. A gothic, eerie, melodic masterpiece. But they do not constrict themselves to only one tempo. They speed it up with songs like Hotwire which gets your feet tapping and you soon find yourself singing along with their catchy, albeit simple, lyrics. Slowing it down they have songs like I Believe or the piano instrumental (by vocalist Lou Rumour) The Reprise.

Lou Rumour's vocals come drifting through your speakers majestically, reminding you once again of Afi as she catches notes that only Davey Havoc could reach before. Floating above the instrumental pieces by Melissa Starr, Just Janelle and Steve Senyk, Lou's vocals are seamless; both catchy and melodic without losing their powerful lyrics. Both Melissa and Janelle add their vocals to the mix at certain points, adding an extra "oooooo" here and an extra "ahhhh" there; making the songs complete.

Gothic punk fans will instantly fall in love with The Rumours and their debut album, The Mighty Can Fall.
- The Punk Site


"Georgia Straight Interview"

Rumours Live For Rock Drama
By Mike Usinger

If Lou Rumour and Just Janelle feel pop music lacks one thing today, it's a sense of the dramatic. The raven-haired members of the Rumours would probably agree there's plenty of off-stage drama. If the Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson wardrobe-malfunction furor doesn't do it for you, then how about the ongoing cat fight between duelling divas Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears? Middle-aged crazy Axl Rose is suing his Guns N' Roses collaborators in L.A., and Jack White's punching out his fellow hipsters in Detroit. In New York, meanwhile, the sad spectacle known as Courtney Love is making headlines for doing half-nude soft-shoes on David Letterman's desk while singing "Danny Boy".

That's not, however, the kind of drama that Rumour (vocals) and Janelle (guitar) are interested in. For the two, rock 'n' roll is at its best when it's extravagant. Over lunch at a Granville Street diner, the bandmates talk excitedly about great figures in the history of pop. Elton John and Billy Joel are mentioned almost reverentially, but where they really get excited is when discussing the overblown brilliance of a song like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". It's quickly agreed upon that Meatloaf's epic "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" also passes the all-time-favourite mixed-tape test. And don't even get Janelle going on the cultural importance of '80s hair farmers Bon Jovi.

"The records that had a huge, early, life-changing impact on me were Danzig's Lucifuge and Pantera's Cowboys From Hell," says the tattooed, impeccably coiffed guitarist. "And then, of course, there was Bon Jovi--that obsession is totally for real. They were my first concert when I was 14 years old. Even when I started sailing through the whole punk-rock era, Bon Jovi was still right up there for me, weird as that may be."

The show that helped shape the tastes of Rumour was a decidedly more urbane affair.

"My first concert was R.E.M., but the life-changing one was probably David Bowie," says the singer, who, like Janelle, looks like she stepped off an underground-rawk photo shoot for Vogue. "It was at the Plaza of Nations, and it was general admission, so if you wanted to be close, you could get upfront. I was 15 years old and it was amazing."

You don't hear a lot of the Thin White Duke or, for that matter, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, or Queen on the Rumours' buzzsaw debut album, The Mighty Can Fall. Like all young acts, the band has received plenty of comparisons to more established artists, some more valid than others. The Runaways are frequently cited as a reference point, partly because the group sounds tougher than leather, but more likely because bassist Melissa Starr gives the Rumours an all-grrrl frontline. (Drummer Steve Senyk rounds out the band, which will play the Showroom on April 9.)

The Rumours aspire to being more than new-millennium Queens of Noise on The Mighty Can Fall, a record that offers something for both the girls in white belts and the boys in mack jackets. Over the course of 10 raw and ragged tracks, the band dabbles in glammed-out metal ("Fight"), bubble gum­scented punk ("April"), and time-capsule new wave ("Hotwire"). Some songs ("Get Over Me") get by strictly on raw, youthful energy while others ("Another Lie") display a surprising depth and maturity.

"It's our first full-length record, so the songs sort of span a couple of years of writing," Janelle says, acknowledging there's no one sonic blueprint the group followed. "We didn't sit down and write a record in one shot."

An obvious and honest enthusiasm for rawk 'n' roll aside, the Rumours' biggest weapon is its waiflife singer. Like Gwen Stefani and the Kills' Alison "VV" Mosshart, Rumour understands that a vocalist who is willing to push herself will make a good song great.

"I didn't set out to become a singer," says the 24-year-old. "I'd sing in my room, into a hairbrush, in front of a mirror, and in the car, but I never thought I'd be doing it in front of people.

"I don't have any specific training," she continues. "Anything that you hear on the record is mostly interpreted from the music that I listen to. There's a lot of feeling, as opposed to thinking about what might sound good. It's emotional rather than cerebral."

Rumour ended up on the mike when, after she and Janelle enlisted a frontperson with the idea of starting a band, they were the only ones who showed up for the first practice.

"It took a lot of convincing before she was willing to try it," Janelle says. "But the first time I heard her I was, like, 'Wow--you've really got a voice.' "

Rumour adds: "I didn't believe in myself. That's what friends are for."

What hints at a promising future for the Rumours is The Mighty Can Fall's unlikely final track, "The Reprise", a melancholy, piano-only piece that sounds more like the Chan Centre than the Brickyard. Rumour grew up in front of the ivories, and she certainly shows it on the tune, which she wrote. If the Rumours can find a way to mesh that side of her with their affection for crunchy rock, who's to say they won't produce something as dementedly dramatic as, say, Guns N' Roses' "November Rain"?

And even if they don't? Well, for all their ambition, it's enough for them that they get to play rock 'n' roll. Asked where they'd like to be two years from now, the two reply simply: "doing music".

"I don't need to live in a mansion or anything, I'd just like to be able to make enough money to pay my rent," Rumour says. "And quit my day job. And maybe buy a piano. Uh-oh, I'm getting less and less modest here."

- The Georgia Straight


"Teen Tribute CD Review"

The Rumours — The Mighty Can Fall
(Switchblade/Universal Music Canada)
The female-dominated retro-metal band was the winner of the Future Shop and Universal Music Future Stars grant at CMW 2003. Coming out full-force on “Fight,” The Rumours also get into radio-palatable Bif Naked territory with “Hotwire,” while “April” has a fifties do-wop vibe. The band can be nasty, fierce, and just a little bit ugly inside, but it’s strong and knows what it wants. And, yes boys, the three gals are very cute.

-- Karen Bliss - Teen Tribute Magazine


"The Rock Explosion Interview (translated)"

After the pleasant listening of their debut album "The Mighty Can Fall" , we've reached the Canadian band The Rumours to submit them a bunch of questions to let all of you, dear Exploders, know this great band. The charming Just Janelle (guitar, vocals) and Lou Rumour (vocals, piano) are here ready to answer. Check it out!






Hi girls, welcome to The Rock Explosion! We are curious to know more about you and your band, The Rumours. Where did you girls meet and why did you decide to include a guy in the band?
Just Janelle: Lou and I met through a friend who was going to front the band I wanted to start when I moved to Vancouver... She mentioned that Lou was a keyboard player, so the three of us set up a time to jam… My friend bailed on the practice, but Lou and I decided to meet up, we didn't know each other that well, so it was a little awkward at first, but something just clicked, and we wrote three songs that first night. Melissa mentioned she was a bass player to Lou's tattoo artist, it got back to us, and we abducted her into jamming with us… When the three of us we're looking for a new drummer, gender wasn't an issue, we put an ad in a local music paper, Steve answered the ad, we jammed with him, and he was the best.

I had the chance to listen to your debut album "The Mighty Can Fall" and I've really appreciated it a lot! I like each song and I find your sound really cool and various. Who have been the musicians you've been mostly influenced by and have left traces in your style and music?
Just Janelle: I grew up mostly listening to punk rock and metal, so the players I looked up to as a kid were people like Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), John Christ (Danzig) and Greg Hetson (Bad Religion/Circle Jerks)... At this point in my playing, I draw on influences from all different styles of music... But Dimebag still kicks ass...
Lou Rumour: I listen to a wide variety of music, I love The Cure, Depeche Mode, Madonna, Skinny Puppy, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Delerium... the list could go on forever.

I also noticed that the arrangements you use vary a lot from song to song. I found traces of hair/glam metal sound ("Hotwire") but there's also the softer and sadder atmospheres created by the piano solo ("Another Lie"). How do you manage with such peculiar kinds of composition?
Just Janelle: When we record a song, it gives us a chance to finalize the overall tone and mood we want it to convey... Each song is like its own album, where we would want a song like "Fight" to have that in-your-face metal tone to it, "Another Lie" needs an intimate intro to clash with the heavy guitars in the chorus... I guess, in terms of the composition and arrangements, we never limit ourselves.
Lou Rumour: As a band we all have different tastes in music, we all bring something different to the table. That's what really makes the music what it is; it's the sum of its parts.

I really like "Hotwire", it's a damn hit that takes the listener's brain in prison through catchy refrains! Some guitar riffs remind me of the US Pretty Boy Floyd anthem "Set The Nite On Fire". How did this song come out? What is about and from what did you find inspiration for it?
Just Janelle: We're friends with a band from Vancouver that was called "Hotwire" (they've since changed their name to Chinatown). When we were first starting out, we always played shows with and hung out with them. I thought it would be hilarious to write a "fan" song about their band... The song was written in about 5 minutes and was really only meant to be played one time, but for some reason, it managed to stick around and find it's way onto the record...

Is there any song of yours you like the most, and if so, could you explain the reason? Which of your songs seems to work best during your live shows?
Just Janelle: My favourite songs on the record are "Another Lie" and "These Days", I'm really proud of the way they turned out... In the live set, the song that seems to go off is "I Believed" it's a simple, heavy song that you've got to rock your head to.
Lou Rumour: My two favorite songs are probably "These Days" and "Another Lie. "Another Lie" is my favorite song to play live, because it's so dynamic, but all of the songs are filled with conviction.

Can you explain to us what you mean with the title of your debut album? What's the deepest meaning hidden behind "The Mighty Can Fall"?
Lou Rumour: The Mighty Can Fall is a lyric from "These Days". Basically, it means no matter how great you are or how much you accomplish you can always fall... It reminds us to be thankful for all we have because anything gained can be lost in a moment.

I have to say that I love the elegance of the booklet and the idea to design the front-cd as thou it was vinyl. What can you tell us about that?
Lou Rumour: I love the album artwork. The graphics, photos, layout were done by talented friends of ours, with our input. We knew what it was going to look like but we were thrilled with the final outcome.

How do your songs come alive, is it a team work or only by one of you? Is there a more frequent procedure you normally use to write?
Just Janelle: We're been writing together for quite a while now, and we've definitely crafted a method of songwriting that we think brings the best work out of all of us... Lou and I will usually form the initial song skeletons with guitars and vocals, and then we bring it into the rehearsal space for everyone's interpretations…

What's in the future for The Rumours? Have you got projects or anything else? What about touring? Do you think it could be possible to see you performing in Europe soon?
Just Janelle: Our band is mainly focused around live shows, it's all about touring right now for us, at this point, I believe most of it will take place in North America for the foreseeable future... We would love to play in Europe (and in the rest of the world); it's definitely on our "to-do" list!

Where can the European and Italian fans buy "The Mighty Can Fall", just online or is the album is distributed on our continent? Tell us about its selling trend? What about Switchblade Records and what about Universal Distribution?
Just Janelle: Switchblade Records is our own label, it's distributed through Universal Music in Canada, and we work with them quite well. At this point, the record is only distributed in Canada, but can be ordered online from anywhere… The link is on our website www.therumoursonline.com.



You're from Vancouver, and our Chief and Webmaster knows some bands from your city. Do you know for example Crystal Pistol? We did an amazing interview with them and I think that these guys really rock, do you agree?
Lou Rumour: We've played with Crystal Pistol a few times; they always put on a great show. Janelle and I used to jam in the same basement as Myk in pre Rumours/Crystal Pistol rehearsal space days. There was always lots of beer and the basement smelled like cat pee.

What do you like the most about playing live/touring? What are the positive and un-positive aspects of being a Canadian musician?
Just Janelle: We all feel our band is based around our live show, and there's nothing better than being able to take what you love to do from city to city. Being a Canadian musician has benefits; there are government funded and private sector grants available to help musicians offset the costs to do what they love.

Who rocks better: Canadians, Americans, English or Swedish? Why?
Just Janelle: I don't know, I like bands from everywhere...

What are the craziest things that have happened during a live performance? Can you tell us about these mad experiences or tell us some anecdote?
Just Janelle: We definitely have our share of "unplanned events" during live shows… Off the top of my head, at one show Lou's pants split open, and at another show my lip ring chained me to my microphone… But, it's a live show, and sometimes all you can do is laugh at the stupid things that go wrong... We try not to take ourselves too seriously...

How important is the internet in your opinion? On the web, there's the endless problem of mp3 and downloads. Which are the pros and the cons about this matter?
Just Janelle: For us the internet has been an amazing way to let people know we exist and it allows our friends stay updated on what we're doing... I don't download music very often, because I like artwork and the packaging of cds... But am I against people downloading our music? Not at all, I just want to people to hear it, and love it enough that they want to share it.

Is there something you've been forced to give up to realize your dreams as rockers?
Just Janelle: I don't think we've had to give up anything... This is what we love to do, so if we have to sacrifice certain things, so be it.

Girls, it is The Rock Explosion Death Match, elect the winners of the following matches, and tell us the reason of your choice:
Tuuli Vs The Donnas:
Lou Rumour: The Donnas!
Just Janelle: The Donnas, though we are friends with two ex-Tuuli members who are in a Vancouver called The Flairs... we played a show with the Donnas a year and a half ago, and they blew me away... I had never really listened to their music before, but they were fucking great players...
CJ Sleeze Vs Texas Terri:
Lou Rumour: Texas Terri.
Joan Jett Vs Share Pedersen (Bubble, ex-Vixen):
Lou Rumour: tie
Wendy O. Williams Vs Exene Cervenka:
Lou Rumour: Wendy O. Williams
Asia Carrera Vs Tracy Lords:
Lou Rumour: Traci Lords circa 1984 would kick serious ass but I don't think she's into cat fights anymore.

Fav movie, book and drink and your personal top 5 albums of all times:
Lou Rumour: Movie - "Amadeus", Book - "Paradise Lost" (Milton), Non-Alcohol - Coke, Alcohol - Corona. Top five albums of all time - Hawksley Workman "For Him and the Girls", The Cure "Pornography", Skinny Puppy "Rabies", Ministry "The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste", Depeche Mode "Violator".
Just Janelle: Movie - "Say Anything", Book - "Breakfast Of Champions" (Kurt Vonnegut), Non-alcoholic - Diet Pepsi, Alcoholic - Gin and tonic. Albums - I'm answering mine as "Janelle's most listened to albums this year"... Danzig - "Lucifuge", Thursday - "War All The Time", AFI - "Sing The Sorrow Or Black Sails On The Sunset", Him - "Greatest Hits", Otis Redding - "Re-Masters".

The world is ending, earth is bursting: what's the last thing you think you'd do?
Just Janelle: Just kick back with some friends and let it happen...

Ok girls, the interview is over. Now you have free room to say whatever you want to our readers all over the world. Thanks a lot for your cooperation and we hope to see you soon performing also in Italy...
Lou Rumour: Listen to music you love, don't buy into hype always keep it real. Music isn't fashion, be good to it, and it will be good to you.


Intervista realizzata da Margherita Realmonte
Traduzione di Margherita Realmonte
Photos by Frank Waits.


- www. therockexplosion.com


"Ubyssey Live Review"

Might want to try honesty
BILLY TALENT with Crowned King and the Rumours at the Pit Pub Mar. 2

by Marc Miquel Helsen/culture writer

Having just read John King's Human Punk last week, I went to see Billy Talent at the Pit Pub, eager to see the novelist's faith in punk rock alive and well. And despite the fact that Billy Talent and the Clash might belong to different eras and genres, I thought of King's idea that there might be a "different-music, same-honesty" kind of timelessness to bind the bands between the ages. And so inspired by King's musical enthusiasm and ruminations on the universality of honest music, I ventured to the Pit, eager to hear his thoughts played out.

The night's first band, Vancou-ver's own the Rumours, made their priceless first note both their first beat and explosion of light. Led by charismatic singer Lou Rumour, the band owned the crowd from the moment they took the stage. The Rumours hammered out one tight tune after another. Rumour, who emitted the swagger and poise of a flamenco dancer gone punk, delivered a magnetic performance. With solid harmonies and polished vocals, the Rumours' songs were a strange mix of aggressive rock rhythms and sixties pop melodies. Leaving the stage as unpretentiously as they had arrived, the band left the buzzing crowd knowing that they had done their thing and done it well—no frills, no gimmicks, no bullshit.

Though veterans of the small but ever-trudging Vancouver ska scene, Crowned King had a tough act to follow. I had to struggle to hear the brass from amidst the wall of distorted guitars and high-end rides. Trumpet, saxophone and trombone were all on mic and yet I could barely make them out. Frustrated by the poor sound quality, I then realised that the off-beat—the oh-so-sacred off-beat—had gone astray. Without that indispensable component of ska and without the brass to lull my ears, I soon found myself losing interest. Faced with a band that has been around for some time, I couldn't help but think that in the world of music there are good days and bad days and that maybe this night just wasn't theirs so much as it had been the Rumours's.

When Billy Talent took the stage and Jonathan Gallant started hammering out the staccato bass line to "This Is How It Goes," I was suddenly reminded why one goes to see bands live. With the bass thudding through the walls and into my chest, I couldn't wait for the crash of the drums and Benjamin Kowalewicz's shrill screams.

Needless to say, Billy Talent got off to a loud and furious start, unleashing their edgy chunk of punk. With pounding bass lines, dynamic drumming, potent harmonies and strident screams that, amazingly, held a perfect tune, the guys from Toronto delivered such a big sound that it seemed almost miraculous that it was coming from only three instruments and a single voice.

With a stage presence to go with their songs—a confidence without arrogance—Billy Talent proved why they were the night's headliners. Fronted by an affable singer who transforms from friendly conversationalist to raging performer à la spastic-gymnastic-king Zach de La Rocha, Billy Talent allowed you neither the time nor the space to lose focus. So attentive was the devoted and loyal crowd that the Toronto quartet could have easily omitted the singles "The Ex" and "Try Honesty" and still left the fans satisfied.

During the performance of "Lies," Kowalewicz inspired the audience to partake in the chorus. And though he aimed the song at corporate America and its "sabotage of music," his statement resounded with a larger, ubiquitous relevance to politics. Riling up the crowd so that the lines between performer and audience began to fade, the "we" of punk-rock came through and a sense of solidarity and good feeling filled the Pit.

To cap it off, the well-spoken Kowalewicz talked of "respecting music" and my thoughts inevitably came back to John King's Human Punk and his idea of punk of music—as a form of honesty.
- Ubyssey Magazine


Discography

The Mighty Can Fall (Switchblade) 02/04 ltd ed.
“Pretty” also appears on DiePopstar Volume 1
"Another Lie" was picked to appear on CMW04’s Insert CD

Film and Television Credits:
Tranny Force Vol. 1 (Tranny Productions for Showtime) - Feature
Wrote and performed title/theme song “Makeover”

Alienated (Bright Light Productions for Space/CHUM) – 22 episode Sci-Fi SitCom
Wrote and performed title/end credit song “RadioActive”

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

THE RUMOURS
www.therumoursonline.com

In late 2001, Lou Rumour and Just Janelle were introduced to Melissa Starr via their mutual tattoo artist. Shortly thereafter the trio began jamming to escape the tedious perils of retail clothing sales.
The following spring, The Rumours made their debut on the Vancouver scene with countless sold out shows. By the end of their first year together, they had played an impressive list of high-profile shows with a diverse list of acts including Taking Back Sunday, the D4, Danko Jones, The Tea Party and Swollen Members.

Bridging doo wop, musicals, hair metal and hard rock influences, The Rumours blend intense, powerful vocals, spiraling guitars and pounding rhythms that continue to earn them press and praise from fans and industry alike. With the summer 2003 addition of sublimely talented drummer Steve Senyk, The Rumours are complete, and sounding better than ever!

As the recipients of Future Shop and Universal Music ‘Future Stars’ best unsigned band at Canadian Music Week 2003, The Rumours spent the fall recording their first full length album entitled “The Mighty Can Fall”. The band started 2004 on their first tour alongside Billy Talent and has since toured with Vanilla Ice. They plan to continue on the road throughout the coming months in support of their release on Switchblade Records/ Universal.

Film and Television Credits:
Tranny Force Vol. 1 Theme Song “Makeover”
Alienated Title song “RadioActive”

Additional Songs Available Online at
www.myspace.com/therumours
www.purevolume.com/therumours